Your spa treatment was great, you can feel relaxed and charged. Now what? Is your therapist expecting you to tip them or is it already included in the price of the treatment? To avoid all the confusion and enjoy the time before, during and after your treatment, here are the best tipping etiquettes to follow.
General Tipping Guidelines
“If you’re at a day spa, it’s appropriate to tip 15-20% of the bill”, says Navrajvir Singh, owner of Lakeview and Palm Tree.
So if your treatment costed $200, it’s appropriate to tip $30. You can go higher and tip $40 if the therapist provided exceptional service. You’ll rarely ever find a day spa adding a service fee so it’s recommended that you directly tip your therapist in cash.
“We allow tipping and encourage it by leaving envelopes in the treatment rooms so that it’s convenient for you to tp your therapist,” he adds.
However, there’s an exception to this rule. This method doesn’t work if you’re getting a discounted deal or a bargain, or even a special package.
Your therapist expects you to tip them on the full price of the treatment than the discounted pricing. For instance, if the price of the massage has been slashed down from $200 to $100, you’re still expected to tip $30 and $40 if you like your therapist instead of tipping $15.
Health or destination spas, hotels, and resort spas where you spend a night add a service fee or spa tip of 18-20% onto the facial or massage. You can tip your therapist extra in the treatment room if you believe you’ve received exceptional service.
If you’re tipping the therapist in addition to it already being included in the bill, it’s expected that your therapist informs you. If you didn’t know that was the policy, feel free to keep your tip.
Medical Spas
Medical spas offering hybrid services (traditional therapies combined with medical procedures such as Botox injections) don’t allow tipping.
Generally, their tipping policy is displayed in their reception area so it’s advised that you follow them.
The only exception to the tipping rule at these spas is facials. However, if you’re unsure it’s recommended that you ask at the front desk rather than insulting the therapist by not leaving a tip (when they were expecting it) and leaving a tip (when it’s not allowed).
If you’re a regular at these spas and tipping isn’t allowed, we recommend you take a little something for special occasions like Christmas to show your appreciation for your therapist.
Traditionally, people who wanted relief from physical pain or who sought tranquillity travelled to these exotic spas that offered natural mineral baths. These spas offer specialised treatments such as hydrotherapy treatment.
Patrons are expected to tip the general 15-20% for the services at these locales.
Club Spas
Usually, you can find a club spa at a gym or a fitness club. Even though these locations primarily focus on working out, they do offer spa services like foot massages and sports massages.
Generally, they’re open to both members and non-members. If you’re taking treatment at these spas, it’s recommended that you stick to the standard tipping rule of 15-20% of the total bill. Shristi is the Chief Content Officer at Raletta. She enjoys writing about food, fitness, finance and everything in between. Feel free to connect with her via Linkedin or drop an email at [emailprotected].
Tipping about 20% is customary in the "spa realm," says Taelour Wagler, a licensed massage therapist and owner of The Middle Wellness Center in Grand Junction, Colorado. (That's about how much to tip a hairdresser, too.) Spa experiences are typically focused on relaxation and luxury.
“If you're at a day spa, it's appropriate to tip 15-20% of the bill”, says Navrajvir Singh, owner of Lakeview and Palm Tree. So if your treatment costed $200, it's appropriate to tip $30. You can go higher and tip $40 if the therapist provided exceptional service.
Spa tipping for higher end services that cost $250 or more…
Many clients express their appreciation with a tip ranging from $20 – $75, depending on the expertise of the specialist and their experience as a whole. As treatments can cost hundreds of dollars, we don't require or expect percentage-based tips.
In general, the 20% rule applies to tipping your massage therapist. So, if you're wondering how much to tip for a $100 massage, you'd want to tip $20. If you're considering how much to tip for a 60-minute massage (that costs $100) – you'd still tip $20. However, generosity is generally very appreciated.
The same spa may offer a 90-minute deep-tissue massage for $200, making your tip $40 and your final cost $240. If you feel like the massage therapist went above and beyond in providing excellent or exceptional service, feel free to tip more, up to 25% or 30%, Sokolosky adds.
Tipping your Botox injector is generally not a great idea. If you're happy with the outcome of a procedure, like Botox at a medi-spa chain, you may feel inclined to tip, just as you would for a great haircut. But aesthetic medicine is still medicine, and, as a general guideline, you shouldn't leave a tip.
How Much to Tip. If you choose to tip your injector, it should be between 10 and 20 percent of the total bill, which is standard in the beauty industry. But don't be offended if your injector also refuses your offer. Amelina says she politely declines tips from her clients.
While physician-led med spa services are often a no-gratuity zone, services led by other professionals might be more inclined to encourage tipping (much like you would at a standard spa). Consider asking your med spa for more details about this policy if you have any questions or concerns.
Most massage therapists who are business owners generally charge enough for their services so clients don't need to worry about a tip. A monetary tip is appreciated, but never required.
The standard tipping etiquette for facialists and estheticians is between 15% to 20% of the treatment cost. If you received exceptional service or want to go the extra mile, you can consider tipping even more.
The standard hospitality rate for massage tipping is 20 percent. For example, if a massage or body treatment costs $100, a 20 percent tip would be $20.
Tipping is a matter of personal discretion, and there is no fixed rule for the "right" amount to tip for a massage. However, tipping is generally a way to show appreciation for the service provided, and the customary tip for a massage in the United States is often around 15% to 20% of the total cost of the massage.
We spoke to two etiquette experts, who suggested leaving a 15% to 20% tip, if you're able. Twenty percent is generous for the massage therapist and easy on the brain, which may be feeling more relaxed than ever after a massage.
As with other services, the average tip for a massage is 15-20% of the total cost. Of course, this can vary depending on factors such as quality of service and personal budget. If you're at a spa or salon, the business usually takes a portion of the massage therapist's fee.
Remember, it's your choice, so let your therapist know what you are comfortable with. Many customers opt to remove just the top layer as a nice balance between allowing skin access while maintaining a degree of modesty. If being partially dressed feels comfortable to you, then this is the best option.
How Much Should I Tip? In general, it's recommended to tip 15-20% of your total bill. This is pretty standard across most service industries. This means if you spent $40 on that shiny new gel manicure, you'd be looking at tipping between $6-$8.
Of course, many people also go to med spas for nonmedical spa services like massages, nail services and facials. In this case, the traditional day spa tipping etiquette applies. Something in the range of 15-20% would be appropriate, based on your satisfaction and the quality of the service you received.
Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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